Changing The Narrative on Suicide

Today, we recognize Suicide Prevention Day. It is a time to talk openly about mental health, suicide, and the importance of looking out for one another.

University life can be exciting, but it can also be challenging. You may be dealing with assignments, exams, deadlines, finances, relationships, family responsibilities, work, loneliness, or uncertainty about your future.

Sometimes, all of these things can become overwhelming.
And sometimes, we struggle in silence.

We smile.
We attend class.
We go to work.
We post on social media.
We laugh with our friends.
But inside, we may be struggling.

That is why we need to look out for one another.
Pay attention to your friends and classmates.
If someone who is normally happy and involved suddenly becomes quiet or withdrawn, check on them.

If they stop attending class, stop participating, stop going out, or stop doing the things they normally enjoy, take notice.

If they seem constantly tired, sad, anxious, angry, or overwhelmed, reach out.

And listen to what they are saying.

If someone says:
“I can't do this anymore.”
“I'm tired.”
“There is no way out.”
“Nothing is going to change.”
“I wish I wasn't here.”
“Everyone would be better without me.”

Don't simply ignore it.
Don't assume they are joking.
Don't tell them to just “get over it.”

Take them seriously.

Ask:
“Are you okay?”
“How are you really doing?”
“Do you want to talk?”

And if you are concerned, don't be afraid to ask:
“Are you thinking about hurting yourself?”

Asking the question does not create suicidal thoughts.

It can give someone the opportunity to talk about what they are feeling and to get help.
You don't have to be a counselor. You don't have to have all the answers. Sometimes, your job is simply to NOTICE, ASK, LISTEN, and CONNECT.

Notice when something has changed.
Ask how the person is doing.
Listen without judging.

And help connect them with someone who can provide support.
That could be a trusted friend, family member, faculty or staff member, counselor, pastor, or mental health professional.

And if you are the person who is struggling, please remember this:

You do not have to handle everything by yourself.
Asking for help is not a weakness.
Talking to someone does not mean you have failed.

You are allowed to say:
“I am not okay.”
“I need help.”
“I don't know what to do.”
“I just need someone to listen.”

There are people who care about you.
There are people who want to help.
And there is help available.

Sometimes we are so focused on passing the course, completing the assignment, getting the degree, paying the bills, and figuring out our future that we forget to take care of ourselves.

Your grades matter.
Your career matters.
Your responsibilities matter.
But YOU matter too.


Take care of your mental health.
Get enough rest.
Eat.
Talk to someone.
Take a break when you need one.
Stay connected to people who care about you.
And don't be afraid to seek professional help when you need it.

Today, let's make a commitment to each other.

Let's check on our friends.
Let's reach out to the person who has been quiet.
Let's notice when someone is struggling.
Let's listen without judgment.
Let's encourage people to get help.

And let's create a university community where no one feels ashamed to say, “I need help.”

Let's change the narrative.
Let's break the silence.
Let's start the conversation.
Let's look out for one another.

And let's remind each other:

YOU MATTER.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
IT IS OKAY TO ASK FOR HELP.
THERE IS HELP.
THERE IS HOPE.
AND YOU DO NOT HAVE TO GO THROUGH THIS ALONE.

 

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